Abstract
Avocado is an economically important crop in Ethiopia, yet its production and productivity are significantly impacted by both biotic and abiotic factors. Among the biotic threats, avocado root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi stands out as a particularly destructive pathogen, inflicting considerable damage to avocado plants. This paper reviews integrated pest management strategies for combating avocado root rot in Ethiopia. P. cinnamomi thrives in warm, moist conditions, with damage intensifying during the summer when plants are stressed by drought. Locally, the pathogen can spread through soil splash, wind-blown debris, and water runoff. Effective management involves using soil amendments such as organic mulches and gypsum to improve soil structure and drainage, reduce salt levels, and enhance the soil’s natural resistance to the pathogen. Comprehensive control measures are essential for managing avocado root rot, including selecting disease-free sites and nursery plants, applying soil amendments, ensuring proper irrigation, using resistant varieties, and adopting suitable cultural practices. Integrated Pest Management, which incorporates multiple pest control strategies, is critical for minimizing damage and effectively managing avocado root rot. Currently, local landrace avocado varieties in Ethiopia show no resistance to P. cinnamomi. Therefore, it is crucial to screen existing local landraces and replace them with resistant varieties to achieve higher yields and better quality.
Published Version
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